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During the period 1848–78, the Savoy monarchy was transformed from a purely dynastic institution into a symbol of national unity. The reactions to Victor Emanuel's death and his later funeral in the Pantheon show beyond any doubt that the image of the King as ‘father of the nation’ was widely accepted, and that his popularity extended beyond the circle of the notables and the bourgeoisie who were the promoters of the cult of the monarchy to significant sectors of the urban working classes. This chapter shows how from the early policies of the King, Charles Albert, the first steps were taken...

During the period 1848–78, the Savoy monarchy was transformed from a purely dynastic institution into a symbol of national unity. The reactions to Victor Emanuel's death and his later funeral in the Pantheon show beyond any doubt that the image of the King as ‘father of the nation’ was widely accepted, and that his popularity extended beyond the circle of the notables and the bourgeoisie who were the promoters of the cult of the monarchy to significant sectors of the urban working classes. This chapter shows how from the early policies of the King, Charles Albert, the first steps were taken in the campaign to create the image of a monarchy with a national mission.